The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-07-13
CLEVELAND BACKS DOWN.
fEARfrL or UxIox soIDrEKs-rHE frRsr PRES
IBEST OF THg UNITED srArEs WHO -HRaSK
BEFORE THE HARDY FIGHTERS wHo
SAVED THE cousTRy-HE THINKS
HE NIGHT DE fNsuLzED.
ExBcrrrvk MANSION.

man
My DEAR SIR: When received the ex-
trelnely cordial and gratifying invitation
from the citizens of St Louis. rendered by
number Of her representative men, TO visit
that city during the National Encampment
of the Grand Army Of the Republic, had
been contemplating fora time the acceptance
of the invitation from that organization 10
the same effect, and had considered the
pleasure which il would afford me if it
should be possible 10 meet not only mem-
bers Of the Grand Army. but the people of
ST. Louis and other cities of the West which
the occasion would give me an opportunity
10 visit The exactions of my public duties
felt to be 80 uncertain, however. that when
first confronted by the delegation of which
you were at the head expected to do no
more at that time than to promise the con-
sideration OF the double invitation rendered
me and express the pleasure it would give
me to accept the same thereafter if possible.
But the eordiality and sincerity of your
presentation reinforced by the heartiness of
the people who surround you, 80 impressed
me that could not resist the feeling which
prompted me to assure you on the spot that
/ would be with you and the Grand Army
of the Republic at the time designated if
nothing happened in the meantime TO abso-
lutely prevent my leaving Washington.
Immediately upon the public announce
memt Of this conclusion, expressions emana-
ting from certain important members of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and increasing
in volume and virulence, constrained me 10
review my acceptance of these invitations.
The expressions referred to 20 TO the extent
of declaring that would be an unweleome
guest at the time and PLACE of the National
Encampment. This statement Is based, as
well a can Judge. upon certain official acts
Of mine involving important public interests,
done under the restraints and obligations of
my oath OF office which do not seem TO APP
pear to accord with the wishes of some of
the members Of the Grand Army of the Re
public.
refuse TO believe that this organization,
founded upon patriotic ideas, composed very
largely of men e~titled TO lasting honor and
consideration. and whose crowning glory it
should be- that they are American citizens as
we'll as veieran soldiers, deems it part of
/ It's mission to compass an object or purpose
/ by trying to intimidate the Executive or
I coerce those charged with making and exc
I cutting the laws. And yet the expressions to
/ which have referred indicate such a preva-
/ lence Of nfriendiy feeling and such a
/ menace 10 an occasion which should be har
monious. peaceful and cordial, that they can
T not be ignored.
beg You 10 understand that am not
/ conscious of any act of mine which should
Z make me fear TO meet the Grand Army Of
I the Republic or any other assemblase of my
| fellow citizens The account Of my official
stewardshipis always ready for presentation
To my counirymen | should not be frank
/ if failed to confess, while disclaiming all
/ resentment that have been hurt by the un-
worthy and wanton attacks upon me grow
( my out OF this matter aud the reckless way
/ IN which my motives and actions have been
I misrepre>ented both publicly and privately.
! for which, however, the Grand Army of the
Republic, as a body, is by no means respon-
( sible
The threat of personal violence aud harm
/ in case undertake the trip in question,
which scores of misguided, and unbalan-
/ ced men, under the stimulation of excited
/ feeling, have made. are not even considered.
Rather than abandon my visit TO the West
and disappoint your citizens | might il
4 alone were concerned. submit 10 the insult
10 which, it is quite openly asserted
would be helplessly subjected il present at
the encampment; hut should bear with me
Of which | must protect, and believe that
I neither the Grand Army of the Republic as
an organization nor anything like a majory
/ OF its members would ever encourage any
such a scandalous attack uponit. If howev-
| er, among the membership OF this body there
are some, as certainly seems to be the case.
/ determined to denounce me and my official
acts At The National Encampment | believe
/ they should be permitted do SO unrestrain-
{ ed by my presence as guest of their organ
/ ization or as a guest of the hospitable city in
which their meeting i held. A number of
1 Grand Army posts have signified their inten-
4 ton am informed, 30 remain away from
/ the eacampment in case | visit the city az
I that time Without considering the merit
/ Of such am excuse feel that ! should not b.
! the cause Of such non-attendence. Tbetim
andplace for the enrampment were fixed long
/ before my invitations were received Those
I desirous 10 participate in it, proceedings
/ should be- first regarded and nothing should
/ be permitted TO interfere with their inten-
tions
Another consideration Of more Importance
than all Others remains to be noticed. The
fact was referred to by you when you YER
bally presented the invitation or the citizens
Of 81 Louis that the coming enoampment of
the Grand Army Of the Republic would be
the first to be held in a Southern state |
suppose this fact was mentioned a pleas
inc incident Of the fraiernai feeling fast
gaining ground throughout the entire land,
and hailed by every patriotic citizen a AN
earliest that the Union has really and in fact
been saved in sentiment and spirit. with
all the benefits il vouchsaf,s TO a united
people
] cannot rid myself Of the belief that the
least discord on this propiious occasion
might reiani the progress Of the sentimen;
of common brotherhood which the Grand
Army of the Republic has a good opportu-
nifty to increase and foster Icertainly ought
not to be the cause of such discord in any
event or upon any pretext. 1t seems TO me
that yon and the citizens of ST. Louis are en-
titled TO this anreServed statement of the
conditions which have constrained me 10
forego my contemplated visit and to with
draw my acceptance of your invitation.
My presence in your city AT the time you
have indicated can be but of little moment
compared with the importance of a cordial
and harmonious entertainment of your 9TH
er guests. ] assure you that | abandon my
plan without the least personal telling or re-
gret, constrained thereto by sense of duty.
actuated by desire to save any embarras-
ment to the people of st. Louis or their ex-
pected guests and with a heart fnll of grateful
appreciation of the sincere and unaffected
kindness Of your citizens.
Hoping the encampment may be an occ;l-
sion of great usefulness and that its proceed
ings may illustrate the highest patriotism of
Anaerican ,itizpnSlfn am ,a,,rs ,-ar,, -,